We can recycle your t-shirts into a keepsake

memory quilt! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Welcome to Custom Tee Shirt Quilts!  Below I have made a list of answers to some of the questions you may have or if you have any questions about the process  please call or email me.  Your  quilt is treated with the love and care it deserves, is created personally by myself, and Waynette, who does the quilting portion.   Your satisfaction is my priority. 

** Each t-shirt (block) is backed with a fusible interfacing to give it stability. This is an important step that keeps the shirts from stretching over the years and is included in our price! We cut no corners!

** I use 100% quilter’s grade cotton fabric and you can select the colors.  I will email you several websites to look at to choose your fabric.   Note: we do not use bedsheets to back your quilt!  We provide a top quality product and use the best fabric available for your quilt.

** Quilting:  each t shirt quilt is professionally machine quilted by Meandering Spirits with an edge-to-edge, over-all meander design. Please see our Quilting Services page for a photo.  We do not tack or tie blocks, quilting provides stability,  looks beautiful and extends the life of the quilt.  

** Leave the cutting to us, please do not cut your tee’s. We love to cut them up! If you have done some cutting, no problem, send them in and we will let you know what we can do with them.  A little piecing here and there can fix many cutting errors.  

Note: No vulgar tees will be accepted or ones that advocate violence, drugs, etc. 

What is a block?

A block is one square or one T-Shirt.  That size is either 12" (some tees have smaller graphics and can fit into a 12" block), a 15" block, standard size and a 16 " block for extra large graphics.  Several blocks make up a row and width of the quilt, then several rows make up the length.  Example:  4 blocks x 5 blocks will make a twin size quilt approximately 70” wide x 87” long. 

What can be used in a Block?  

T-Shirts, sweatshirts, shirts, jerseys, tank tops, etc.  (no jean fabric, sweaters, bulky items or baby clothing). Buttons, snaps, etc. will be removed as we cannot quilt over them.   Most clothing items can be combined into a memory t shirt quilt.  Some items cannot be quilted over though we do try to quilt around that part (such as a pocket or a patch).  

How do I choose the layout of my T-Shirts?

You can select the layout of your quilt by  numbering your tees in a grid...example:  12 blocks = a twin size quilt of 3 blocks wide and 4 blocks long. Top row of the quilt has 3 blocks...number them from left to right, 1-3.  2nd row number 4-6, etc. Pin your number to the tee. Please do not use tape on your shirts, it leaves a sticky residue I cannot remove.  You can also take a photo of your layout and email it.  OR you can leave the designing to me.  Once I have your shirts cut to size I will email you a photo of the layout for your approval, at this time you can move any of the shirts around that you wish.  

What is Sashing, 4" Border, Backing & Binding?

Sashing is a 2 inch border around each block.  It provides additional stability to the t shirt, separates each t shirt and improves the overall look of the quilt.  I like to say it makes the t shirts look like they are floating on fabric, each one individually framed.  This is the technique I use, I do not make quilts without sashing.  

 A 4" border is a complimentary color to sashing and goes around the entire quilt top and appears as a frame around all the blocks. 

Backing is the fabric on the back side of the quilt. We do not use bedsheets for backing as they break down over time.  

Binding is the finished edge of the quilt, a 3" strip of fabric is folded in half, sewn to the front side border then turned over to the back side and machine sewn down.  About 1/2 " shows on each side.  

What is a photo block? 

A photo block is one 8.5 x 11 fabric photo sheet.   You can have as many photos that will fit into this size.   I piece the photo sheet into a block, sewing fabric around it to frame it.   You can either mail the original photos (which are  scanned into a computer) or you may electronically email them to me.  I use a professional photograher who prepares the photo blocks using the very best equipment and photo fabric!   You may also have lettering added to the page!  

What if my T-Shirts have holes or stains?

We cannot alter stains or holes and each t shirt will be incorporated into the quilt based on its condition.  Each block is cut either 12" or  15” square and if the graphic has a hole in it or a stain on it, that will be part of that block.    We do our best to cut around it but often we cannot. Please wash your t shirts, do not use starch or fabric softener, dry without as well.

Can I wash my Quilt?

Yes, they can be machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle and line dried, using a gentle soap such as Woolite.  ALWAYS add Shout Color Catcher sheets which absorb and trap the loose dyes in your fabric and protects against color bleeds and preserves original colors.  For best results have your quilt dry cleaned. Never use bleach on your quilt.